By: Catherine F. Guadayo
         Teacher III, Filipino Dept. 
         MNCHS

On scheduled occasions, we tend to have the power to choose the people who will lead the country, our province and our municipality. We scrutinize the candidates based on their credentials, human relations and ability to lead the people, among others. This we do, for the choices we make will define the kind of government we will have in the years following it.

                        In the case of the academic world, leadership is an important factor to make the school work. The head of the learning institution should always have a credible and strong ideals in order for his/her subordinates to follow and make the teaching-learning process smooth sailing and effective.

                        Additionally, people who do not follow the herd blindly have the potential to become great leaders. They are the ones who ask questions and make their statements count. They are the people who do not just possess simple intelligence but powerful intellect. To be a leader, he/she should have clear and vast understanding of the world around him/her. Not just about the organization or what the organization does but about everything that might affect the team.

                        Integrity. To become a noteworthy leader of the pack, one should possess an unquestionable ability to lead and this all starts with honesty. When honesty and transparency are present, the members follow genuinely the leader because they are sure that he/she is able to bring the team to the peak of success based on his/her track record and credibility. An honest leader, most likely, has less tendencies to be involved in corruption and fraud. It helps also if the leader is God-centered and just. This way, he/she is guided by the words of the Lord and is enlightened to follow the righteous and unprejudiced path of life.

                        I was lucky to have been managed and mentored by the best leaders in the field. The diversity of their personalities, years of excellent service and upright practice of expertise make them laudable and effective in a universal aspect. This has become my inspiration and guide in order to be a better servant of the academic world.

                        Now that a new chapter has opened for me, being the assistant Grade Level Adviser for the Grade 10 Class of Masbate National Comprehensive High School, I have contemplated on the things that I should be able to do when the time comes for my term.

                           Working with the best set of teachers in all the departments of MNCHS, I have also come to realize that it is far easier to be leading a group who are not only colleagues but also friends. This builds a more solid bond in terms of arriving at a decision that is needed for the improvement and betterment of the team more so that strengthening human relationships is vital to leadership for this would mold both the superiors and subordinates in their roles in the team.

                        I know that I may be challenged with the new task given to me but this will also test my skills and capabilities in the actual field. The professional world is full of ups and downs and this needs to be identified sooner than later in order to become more productive as a servant of the government. The sharpest of blades are those that went through heavy fire pounding, so to speak.

                        It is not easy to be in front of the group but as they say, the best leaders are those who direct their team from behind. They are those who let their people freely decide on the most important matters. After all, the members are always in the frontline of everything in the team.

                        Lastly, personal experiences and overall knowledge and skills are always helpful in the making of a holistic and effective leader.  John C. Maxwell believes that a true leader is one “knows the way, goes the way and shows the way”.